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Washington, D.C.’s Best Attractions for Kids

The District is bustling with attractions for families and children. There is an abundance of must-visit sites and day trips that are to be taken in the area. Give your kids something to look forward to by planning some weekly activities.

Have a family adventure on the water in a custom-built pirate ship that cruises the Potomac. The 90-passenger Boomerang ship casts off from Washington Harbour and is chartered by licensed captains. Those on board the treasure hunt ship are in search of stolen keys to the city’s treasure chest. The fun includes music, limbo, face painting and temporary tattoos, as well as souvenirs. Amidst all the activity, guests will take in the finest D.C. sites, views of the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial and Kennedy Center. Family cruises are one hour, cost $20 per person and run rain or shine.

Imagination Station is a multi-disciplinary theatre arts program that works to enhance the lives of young adults. The theatre opened over three decades ago as Bethesda Academy of Performing Arts. There are a number of ways to be a part of the Imagination Stage family: view a professional performance, enroll in a class, or attend a camp or workshop.

The organization runs year round. During the school year, camp and class sessions are six weeks or 10 to 14 weeks. Summer camps are one to four weeks. Classes and camps range from acting and creative drama to musical theatre and dance. Shows are audition-based for children in 4th to 12th grade. Students work with professional actors, directors, designers and academics in the Washington, DC area to put on a professionally produced show at the end of the class. State-of-the-art filmmaking and digital media courses are also offered. Creativity and innovation is at the heart of Imagination Station’s work.

Devoted to the art of espionage, The International Spy Museum covers all aspects of spies around the world. All exhibits are kid-friendly, but those 10 and up will gain the most from the exhibitions. Kids can engage in the interactive activities using the museum’s spy guide. Intelligence experts, authors and former officers host monthly educational programs, like Real Spies Telling Real Stories. Special workshops are offered for 5th through 12th grade groups. Cost for admission is $20.95 for adults ages 12 to 64. A discount is offered for seniors, children and military. If you plan to visit multiple times, check out the combination rates.

Two mothers, former teachers, opened Little Loft in October 2012 in hopes of bringing an art space for creativity and exploration to the neighborhood. Art projects use a combination of found materials, everyday objects and high quality art supplies – and activity that is enjoyable and accessible to both caretakers and children. The Open Studio, what Little Loft DC calls the toddler-friendly art time that does not require signing up, costs $15 for one child or $22.50 for two. Hours are September to June, Monday to Friday (except Wednesday) and a caregiver must accompany children in the Open Studio at all times. Open Studio hours have a monthly theme and each table has its own category. For example, a theme may be dictated by a color or technique. Workshops and camps are also available, with a 12-child maximum.

The newest venture for the local restaurateurs behind Tryst, The Diner and Open City, The Coupe is another gathering place offering a modern take on comfort food. Aiming to provide entertainment to young families, The Coupe management felt starting a movie night was an opportunity to serve the neighbors. There is no cost to attend the Family Movie Nights, which are held every first Monday of the month. Check The Coupe’s Facebook event page with the name of the new movie and any details, also feel free to add movie suggestions. Children can eat for less than $5 and parents can enjoy happy hour.

Kelly Johnston is a freelance writer living in D.C. She graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in Fashion Retail and Merchandising and a minor in Journalism. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.